Making Better Real Estate Decisions

The better shape your home is in, the more money you'll get out of it when you sell it through a place like Buy Sell International. That leaves you with the dilemma of whether to invest money in sprucing up your home or leave it like it is and sell for a lower price. Your real estate agent is a good source of advice since he or she sees how much houses sell for and how fast they sell. Even if you don't want to spend a lot of money, you should probably invest some time and elbow grease into getting your home looking as good as possible. Here are some key areas to focus on.

Curb Appeal Is Important

Your home should make a good first impression from the street. If your yard is overgrown and cluttered, that's a good sign the house has been neglected too. Mow the grass and trim back trees so your yard looks well kept. Get rid of old cars and toys so the space around your home looks tidy. If you can afford it, paint the exterior of your home so the house looks updated and fresh. Also, focus on the entry door. Buy a new door if you need one, but at the very least, make this area welcoming by cleaning it well and decorating it with pretty plants or flowers.

Declutter So The House Looks Larger

If you're like most people and have a house full of belongings, you'll probably want to clear out as much clutter as you can. Rent a storage unit for holding furniture that crowds the rooms. With less furniture and fewer belongings scattered around, your house will appear larger and more appealing to buyers. Don't forget your closets and cabinets. Remove part of your hanging clothes so your closet doesn't look stuffed and crowded. Having less clutter around also makes it easier to keep your home clean, which is important since it may be on the market for weeks or months until it sells.

Paint The Interior To Brighten The Home

Fresh paint makes a big difference in how your home looks. If you haven't painted in a long time, consider doing so now. The new paint covers old dingy paint, scuffs, dirt, and stains. Choose neutral colors such as white or beige that appeal to a wide range of people. Paint doesn't cost much, and if you do the work yourself, you can make your home look more inviting for a small investment. Painting also gives you the opportunity to clean the walls, ceiling, and baseboards. This leaves you with a cleaner house. Just don't forget about odors too. If you have a dog or cat, be sure to clean the floors with odor neutralizer so your house smells fresh as well as looking clean.

Invest In Kitchen And Bath Upgrades

If you want to invest some serious money in updating your home, focus on areas where your investment brings the highest returns. Many people buy homes based on the kitchen and bath. By modernizing these rooms, your home will be more appealing to buyers who want a home they don't have to update. A gourmet kitchen and luxury bath could help your home sell faster too, and you'll probably be able to raise the price of your home enough to cover your investment.

Before you invest much money in upgrading your home just to sell it, be sure to study the homes on the market in your neighborhood. This gives you an idea of what a nice, modern home should sell for so you don't waste money on upgrades that you won't get back. Your real estate agent can help you price your home and guide you on what is best to make it sell quickly if you need to move right away, or sell it for the highest price if you want to make a profit on your home.